Is Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass Worth It

Are you trying to decide whether to purchase a general admission ticket or splurge on the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass? Well, let me share my first-hand experience with you and help you make an informed decision.

The Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass is a game-changer when it comes to maximizing your time and enjoyment at the park. If you’re someone who values every minute of your visit and wants to experience as many attractions as possible, then this pass is definitely worth considering.

During our visit on a crowded Tuesday in June, we were amazed by how much time and frustration the Express Pass saved me. While others were queuing for hours, we effortlessly bypassed the long lines and gained immediate access to the rides and shows. It was like having a VIP pass to all the excitement!

Not only did the Express Pass save us precious time, but it also allowed us to make the most of our limited visit. Since I only had 1 day at Universal Studios Hollywood, I wanted to ensure that we didn’t miss out on any of the must-see attractions. Thanks to the Express Pass, we were able to hop from ride to ride without wasting a moment.

I know your biggest question is probably whether the extra expense is really worth it. While the Express Pass is quite literally double the price, let me assure you that it is worth every penny.

Think of it as an investment in your overall experience. By saving hours of waiting time, you really will have more opportunities to create lasting memories and enjoy the park to its fullest.

If you’re curious about the specific time savings on each ride, I’ll break it down for you. By using the Express Pass, we estimated that we saved an average of 30 minutes per attraction. Multiply that by the number of rides you plan on experiencing, and you’ll quickly see the time-saving benefits add up.

What’s the Universal Studios Express Pass?

The Express Pass is a game-changer when it comes to having fun at Universal Studios. It’s designed to provide convenience and maximize fun, and offers a seamless way to enjoy it all without the hassle of waiting in long lines.

Unlike regular admission tickets, the Express Pass gives you one-time express access to each ride, attraction, and seated show. But that’s not all – it also includes reservation-free entry into Super Nintendo World, even when reservations are required to enter the land.

The Express Pass is twice as expensive as the 1 day General Admission, and a little over half the price of the VIP Experience, which allows for unlimited daily express access as well as complementary valet parking. In my opinion, the Express Pass is the best value of all.

Our Express Pass Experience: Is It Worth It?

It was absolutely worth it! My hubby and I came up with a game plan and decided which rides to target first. Even with our strategic approach, we still noticed the crowds forming in the general admission line. But thanks to the Express Pass, we didn’t have to worry about long waits or missing out on anything.

We arrived at the park bright and early, before the gates even opened at 8:30am. Before entering, there was a security checkpoint to ensure our safety.

Once the gates opened, we wasted no time and speed walked to the most popular area of the park – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Hogsmeade looked just like what you see in the HP movies! And the Hogwarts Castle looked so majestic!

Throughout the day, we followed an itinerary that covered almost all the rides. From 8:30am to 7:30pm, we spent 11 hours at the park; and that’s without wasting much time waiting on any of the rides.

The only rides we skipped were in Super Silly Fun Land (as they were more geared towards little kids – but we did spend 10-15 minutes exploring the Despicable Me themed land) and Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge (which wasn’t included in the Express Pass and had ridiculously long lines of up to 2 hours!).

The best part? We didn’t have to wait in line for extended periods, and by the end of the day, we still had enough energy to enjoy the park.

Trust me, you’ll definitely need the Express Pass if you want to make the most of your time and have the energy to explore everything the park has to offer.

Wait Times For General Admission vs Express Pass (When We Visited)

If you’re wondering just how much time you can actually save by buying the Express Pass, let me share my first-hand experience with you.

During my visit to the theme park, I made it a point to note down the amount of time it took to wait for rides with the Express Pass compared to the estimated wait time in the general admission line.

To make it easier for you to see the time saved, here’s a table showcasing the stark differences:

General Admission 🎟 Express Pass ⏰💨

Pros of the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass

Here are the advantages to getting the Express Pass that will make your visit even more amazing:

🎟 Priority Access: With the Universal Hollywood Express Pass, you’ll get priority access to all the attractions. That means you’ll pass in front of everyone else, which often means zero waiting time. It’s like having a VIP pass!

🎟 Reduced Wait Times: If you do need to wait to get on any of the rides, you’ll be in line for a fraction of the expected wait time. Waiting in line can really take away from the fun of a theme park visit. You’ll get to skip the regular lines: No more boredom or frustration!

🎟 Cover More Attractions: The Universal Hollywood Express Pass gives you the power to cover more attractions in a single day. With reduced wait times and priority access, you’ll be able to visit all the must-see shows, rides, and experiences without feeling rushed. It’s the perfect way to make the most of your time and create unforgettable memories.

The Express Pass is particularly beneficial during peak seasons, holidays, and special events when the park tends to be busier. It ensures you get the most out of your experience by minimizing waiting times.

Cons of the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass

While the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass offers advantages, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

🎟 Additional cost: The Express Pass comes with an extra price tag on top of the general admission ticket. Consider this when planning your budget for the park.

🎟 Height restrictions: Certain attractions may have height requirements, regardless of the type of pass you hold. Make sure to check the park’s guidelines beforehand to avoid any disappointment.

🎟 Excluded rides: Remember that Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge is not included in the Express Pass.

🎟 Only once daily: Priority access is given for all included rides and shows only once per day. For unlimited access, the VIP Experience Pass is recommended.

When Should You Buy the Universal Express Pass?

The best times to buy the Express Pass at the park are during the busiest times, when the lines are the longest. Here is a list of the busiest times in the park when you should definitely consider purchasing the Express Pass:

✔ Spring break
✔ Summer season
✔ Holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s
✔ Presidents Day Weekend
✔ MLK Weekend
✔ Memorial Day Weekend
✔ 4th of July Weekend
✔ Labor Day Weekend
✔ Special events like Halloween Horror Nights and Grinchmas

By purchasing the Express Pass during these busy times, you can skip the long lines and make the most out of your visit to the park.

Tips For The Universal Express Pass

To optimize your Express Pass experience at Universal Studios Hollywood, follow these practical tips:

1. Arrive before the gates open: Being among the first groups inside the park allows you to start with the most popular ride or the one you’re most excited about.
2. Capture moments with minimal crowds: Arriving early also provides opportunities for photos and videos without many people in the background, especially in areas like Hogsmeade.
3. Wear comfortable shoes: Given the amount of walking and standing in line, it’s essential to wear durable footwear for a more enjoyable experience.
4. Familiarize yourself with Universal Studios Hollywood food and drink policies: It’s important to know that only specific types of foods and drinks are allowed.
5. Enjoy the shows and entertainment: Universal Studios offers a variety of shows and entertainment options, so don’t forget to include them in your itinerary. These can be a great way to take a break from the rides and still have a fantastic time.

🔥Hot Tip!! Make sure to download the Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App to have access to information such as interactive maps, wait times, and show times.

Final Thoughts

To wrap it up, our experience with the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass was nothing short of fantastic. The convenience and time-saving benefits far outweighed the extra cost. With the Express Pass in hand, we were able to make the most of our visit, enjoy a wide range of attractions, and avoid the frustration of long queues.

Whether you’re visiting Universal Studios Hollywood for just a day or during a busy season, the Express Pass is worth considering. It allows you to maximize your time, cover more ground, and create unforgettable memories without the hassle of waiting in line for hours on end.

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